What is it about the description of a cowboy, especially one with a twang that leaves the deepest impression on you? Even as a reader...O, did I lose you? Try this, early on from Pepper D. Basham's "Twist of Faith":

"He stood framed by the doorway.  Every piece of his six-foot-two frame blared flawless. From his dusty-blond hair sculpted to Michelangelo-like perfection and his Grecian nose, down to the pristine lines of his navy suit." (3)

Oops! That's Dr. Murdoch, not the "cowboy" in question. (Still...we'll get back to him.) Here' our cowboy,

"A rugged looking man stood framed by the doorway, muscular arms tan against a pale blue shirt half-hidden underneath dark overalls. His jaw line was shaded by a five o'clock, no, more like ten o'clock shadow.  Midnight hair tossed in a disarray of curls topped his head and spilled over his forehead, enhancing a pair of chocolate-brown eyes.  The nervous movement of the cap in his hands came in direct contrast to the strength and confidence in his size..." (8)

Now, if this is your first encounter with Pepper's writing, what can you deduce from the above snippets? Well, I can tell you Pepper sure have a way with words, and there's two handsome boys in this book. Next, you can't wait to get started.  Ever since the first two books of Pepper's Penned in Time series, I am hooked. Hooked on her books and her steamy (in a Christian/clean sense) writing.  I took my sweet time with Twist of Faith, knowing that if I start this, I will need to finish it in one sitting. So when I finally have a couple of hours dedicated to reading, I jumped on it. And boy, was I in for a sinker. How could you not with scenes like this?

" 'Want me to light your fire tonight?'... 

'Excuse me?'

When Reese replayed the question in his mind, he was pretty sure he'd already started the fire - on his face. 'I mean, do you want me to heat things up in here for you.'   

Her eyes great wider. His face got hotter. 

'Let me fix you up a fire.' He pointed to the fireplace just to rule out any doubt. 'Right here. In the fireplace.' 

...She laughed harder...She snorted a reply in a cute-unladylike-kind of way and then leaned forward, bracing her shaking body with a hand to her waist." (68-69)

I'm pretty sure I displayed my "unladylike" snort too, as I was reading this. Dee and Reese's easy and oftentimes smile-worthy banters will draw you in, and before you know it, you're too deep in to let go.  All jokes aside, Pepper has a way of writing flawed characters that you can't help but relate to, and sometimes dislike at first.  Dee's career-oriented goals and distraught upbringing have her dismissing God and His role in her life, while keeping her true nature deep within. Will she fully understand the meaning of home? Reese's past of betrayal by those closest to him had him doubting true love and its sincerity as it stares him in the face. Will a wager made in the heat of the moment obliterate the budding seed of love and healing between the two?



We have the emotional journey of the main characters, but the other characters, Rainey, Dr. Murdock, Emma, Lou, Brandon and Mama Mitchell all creates the backstory, motivating and illuminating our main characters, and usually enlightening in many ways. Rainey's backstory already have me on the edge of my seat, wanting and waiting to read her story, and maybe one of the scenes in Twist of Faith is foreshadowing what's to come with a certain PhD?





The romance highlights Twist of Faith, the characters round out the book in supportive and amazing roles, but it's the message of God's love, humility, forgiveness and grace that truly makes this book noteworthy.  Sometimes, your dreams may not be as planned, but it's not too far off to what your heart truly seeks.  And as a last question to the author, I need to ask, "O Pepper, how fast can you write the next one?"

NOTE:  I won a digital copy of this book in a giveaway. A review was NOT required.  All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.